This is not a fantasy football cheat sheet, nor is it an attempt to predict which players will finish with the best statistics at the end of the season. The premise is which linebacker duo I would want for the 2013 season. Although statistics, scouting reports and other factors, such as durability, were considered, the criteria primarily is based on game film from the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

First and third in quarterback disruptions (combined sacks, hits and hurries), Hali and Houston are on pace to join Chris Doleman and Keith Millard of the 1989 Minnesota Vikings as the only duos in NFL history to combine for at least 35 sacks in a season. As the most effective bookend rushers in the league, Hali and Houston are the primary reason the Chiefs are No. 1 in scoring defense and sacks through 10 weeks.

What Kuechly and Davis give way to the Chiefs' tandem in pass-rushing ability, they make up for in top-notch coverage skills. Kuechly, the NFL's leading tackler since entering the league last season, looked like the best player on the field in Carolina's 10-9 victory at San Francisco. He's emerging as a legitimate candidate for Defensive Player of the Year honors.

In a telling statistic, the Panthers rank second in run defense and fourth in pass defense in the 21 games since Kuechly was insterted at middle linebacker. In the prior 21 games, they ranked 24th and 26th, respectively. Amazingly, Davis is playing at a Pro Bowl level despite a trio of ACL surgeries on the same knee.

Willis and Bowman aren't as strong in coverage as the Panthers' duo, but they have top-of-the-line closing speed in the run game. The most decorated inside-linebacker pair in the league, Willis and Bowman have combined for seven first-team All-Pro selections.

After a disappointing 2012 season under Dave Wannstedt, Williams has bounced back to be one of the NFL's most feared pass rushers in new coordinator Mike Pettine's aggressive hybrid scheme. He's in the top five in quarterback disruptions and sacks, while Alonso is second in tackles. As athletic as any middle linebacker in the league, Alonso is the favorite to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

A year ago, Miller was the best all-around linebacker in the league, while Woodyard arguably was the top coverage linebacker. Their play has slipped a bit this season, but Miller and Woodyard still are an imposing tandem when they can get on the field together.

It seems that no defender has the instincts to shut down the screen game like Kerrigan, who bats down as many passes as any linebacker. Kerrigan, Orakpo, nose tackle Barry Cofield and a resurgent DeAngelo Hall have been the bright spots on an otherwise abysmal Redskins defense.

The NFL's fastest linebacker, Washington has been a terror as a blitzer and run defender since returning from suspension in Week 5. It's hard to find a more disruptive inside linebacker. Dansby has been more than solid in his return to Arizona.

Mathis is on pace for 24 sacks, which would break Michael Strahan's single-season record of 22.5. He's been the best player on a no-name defense that has exceeded expectations in outplaying the 49ers, Broncos and Seattle Seahawks this season. A godsend as the Colts' leading tackler since being signed away from the Saskatchewan Roughriders last year, Freeman is a testament to general manager Ryan Grigson's relentless scouting department.

Finally putting it all together after a few injury-marred seasons, Levy is leading the NFL with five interceptions. He's been a big-play machine this season. Tulloch has been enjoying a career year of his own while leading all inside linebackers in Pro Football Focus' ratings through 10 weeks.